Program guide system with video-on-demand browsing

ABSTRACT

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a viewer may direct a television to simultaneously display a selected television program and a program guide display. A viewer may use the program guide display to browse available video-on-demand (VOD) while continuing to view a previously selected program in the background. The viewer may browse through video-on-demand programs on the program guide display using a variety of keys on a remote control unit. The viewer may direct the program guide to order a given video-on-demand program, and set a desired broadcast time for that program.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application60/086,046 filed May 19, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to interactive television program guides, andmore particularly, to television program guides that allow viewers tobrowse video-on-demand programs. A television program and a programguide display containing information for video-on-demand programs may besimultaneously displayed on a display screen.

Throughout the history of television, broadcasting networks have beenstriving to provide television viewers with interesting programmingshown at convenient viewing times. This has proven to be a difficulttask given the vast diversity of the television viewing public. Overtime, cable systems with services such as “pay-per-view” and “request”channels emerged which provided television viewers with greaterprogramming variety and more control over their program viewingschedule. However, these systems offered viewers a relatively smallnumber of programs shown at only a few pre-determined broadcast times.

More recently, video-on-demand or “VOD” programs have become availableto some cable system subscribers. Video-on-demand programs generallyconsist of a library or database of programs that are available at anytime for viewing. Such programs are typically stored in a video serverlocated in a nearby television distribution facility. A viewer mayselect a program from the database and request the video server toprovide that program. The video server processes this request, and, ifthe selected program is available, routes a video signal of that programto the viewer's television equipment. Such video-on-demand systems allowviewers to watch the programs contained in the database at virtually anytime.

Television program guides help television viewers to select programs ofinterest. Television viewers have traditionally consulted printedprogram schedules to determine programs being broadcast at a particulartime. Recently, cable, satellite, and broadcast television systems haveprovided viewers with an increasingly large number of televisionchannels to choose from. As the number of potential programs of interestto the viewer has increased, interactive electronic program guides havebeen developed to help viewers determine which programs may be ofparticular interest. Such interactive program guides are usuallyimplemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that iscoupled to the viewer's television set. These set-top boxes typicallyreceive program information from a central broadcasting center and storeit in a memory within the set-top box. The information typicallyincludes program titles, broadcast times, channels, programdescriptions, etc.

Viewers can invoke the program guide display and use up and down remotecontrol cursor keys to peruse program listings for availableprogramming. Once a program of interest has been located, the viewer candirect the remote control to command the set-top box to display thatprogram.

Current interactive video-on-demand program guides display programlistings on the viewer's display screen. A text description of thedisplayed program and ordering options are also provided. This type ofvideo-on-demand program guide display covers the entire televisionscreen and does not allow the viewer to view both the video-on-demandprogram guide display and a previously selected television channel. Ifthe viewer is interested in viewing video-on-demand programs, he or shemust leave any programming in progress and display a full-screen programguide overlay to view video-on-demand programming options.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide avideo-on-demand program guide system with improved capabilities forviewing and selecting television programs.

It is another object of the present invention to provide avideo-on-demand program guide system that allows a viewer tosimultaneously view both a video-on-demand program guide display and aselected television program on a television display screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects of the invention are accomplished in accordancewith the principles of the present invention by providing an interactivetelevision program guide system with a video-on-demand browsecapability. A viewer may direct the program guide to present a programguide display on viewer television equipment that containsvideo-on-demand programs.

The program guide display of the present invention contains informationfor one or more video-on-demand (VOD) programs in a given category.Information about video-on-demand programs in other categories is notshown. A viewer may obtain information about other video-on-demandprograms in a particular category by browsing through the programs onthe program guide using up and down cursor keys. Other video-on-demandprogram categories may be selected using left and right cursor keys.

When the program guide display is active, the program guide may reducethe amount of screen area used by the current channel so that theprogram guide display and the current channel are displayed unobscured.However, if desired, the program guide display may be superimposed on aportion of the viewer's television screen such that the viewer maycontinue to watch a previously selected program in the background whilethe program guide is displayed. This allows the viewer to continuewatching a program while browsing for video-on-demand programs.

The program guide display may contain brief text descriptions of thedisplayed video-on-demand programs. When the viewer browses throughavailable programming with remote control cursor keys, each briefdescription may be automatically updated to correspond to the displayedprogram.

A viewer may obtain more information about a given video-on-demandprogram by pressing an info key located on a remote control unit. Thismay cause a detailed information screen to appear which suppliesadditional information about that video-on-demand program.

A viewer may order a video-on-demand program by pressing an on-screenbutton or by pressing a key on a remote control unit such as a selectkey. This may cause a configuration and control screen to appear thatrequires the viewer to input information to complete the order. Suchinformation may include entering a parental control code and/or enteringa desired program start time. The program guide may provide the viewerwith a confirmation screen to confirm the viewer's order.

Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantageswill be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a conventional video-on-demand program guide display whichcovers the majority of the viewer's display screen and allows the viewerto select a category of programs.

FIG. 1B is a conventional video-on-demand program guide display whichcovers the majority of the viewer's display screen and allows the viewerto peruse programs in a particular category.

FIG. 1C is a conventional video-on-demand program guide display orderconfirmation screen which covers the majority of the viewer's displayscreen.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a system in which an interactive televisionprogram guide may be implemented in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an illustrative video server for use with theprogram guide system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another system in which an interactive televisionprogram guide may be implemented in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an illustrative remote control for use with theprogram guide system of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is an illustrative display screen of a program guide display inaccordance with the present invention that a viewer may use to browsevideo-on-demand programs shown on the program guide display whilecontinuing to view video of a previously selected channel in thebackground.

FIG. 6B is an illustrative display screen of a program guide display inaccordance with the present invention that a viewer may use tosimultaneously: (1) browse video-on-demand programs shown on the programguide display (2) view of video clip of a video on demand program, and(3) view video of a previously selected channel in the background.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative display screen of a program guide display inaccordance with the present invention showing how the program presentedin the program guide display may be automatically updated when theviewer changes the program category.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative configuration and control screen for theprogram guide system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating some of steps involved in providingbrowsing display screens in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A set of program guide display screens 1 provided by a conventionalvideo-on-demand program guide system (not shown) is illustrated in FIGS.1A-1C. With this system, the viewer may view available video-on-demandprogram listings. When invoked, the program guide initially presents acategory display 2, (shown in FIG. 1A) on a display screen 3 that isoverlaid on top of a program in progress 4. Category display 2 containsa series of video-on-demand program categories 5 and an on-screenprogram select button 6. The viewer may scroll through the availableprogram categories 5 and choose a category of interest using certainremote control keys (not shown). A category of interest may also beselected using an on-screen select button 6.

When a category is chosen, the program guide presents a program display7 (shown in FIG. 1B) on display screen 3 which is overlaid on top ofprogram in progress 4. Display 7 typically contains multiple programlistings 8 from a selected category 11, each of which include a programtitle 9 and a program description box 10. The viewer may view programlistings for video-on-demand programs using cursor keys on a remotecontrol (not shown) to scroll through program listings 8. If the viewerdesires to order a particular video-on-demand program 9 shown on programguide display 7 (e.g., X-Files The Movie), the viewer may press anon-screen select button 12 or use a dedicated button on a remote control(not shown). Once a program is selected, the program guide displaypresents an order confirmation screen 13 (shown in FIG. 1C), whichcontains a selected program title 14, a price 16, and on-screen buttons17 and 18. The viewer may order selected program 14 by pressing YES key17 or cancel the order by pressing NO key 18. The program order and alsobe confirmed or canceled using certain keys on a remote control (notshown).

There are a number of disadvantages associated with the arrangements ofFIGS. 1A-1C. For example, the program guide displays shown in FIGS.1A-1C do not allow the viewer to watch video from a previously selectedchannel while viewing available video-on-demand programs. The viewermust leave any programming currently in progress and display full-screenprogram guide displays 2, 7, and 13 in order to select video-on-demandprograms.

In addition, the viewer cannot: (1) change program category 11 while inprogram display 7 without first returning to the category browse screen2, (2) choose a start time for a selected video-on-demand program, (3)view a video clip preview of a video-on-demand program.

In contrast, the present invention provides a program guide having abrowsing display that allows a viewer to browse through and select avideo-on-demand program from a list of available video-on-demandprograms while continuing to view a previously selected televisionprogram. The viewer may select a video-on-demand program and choose astart time for that program. The viewer may also view video clips ofcertain video-on-demand program listed on the program guide.

The program guide display may be a single cell in width (i.e., in thehorizontal dimension) and a single cell in length (i.e., in the verticaldimension). Or, if desired, multiple cells may be displayed containingmultiple video-on-demand program listings. A brief text programdescription may be provided in the cell for displaying a description ofthe currently listed video-on-demand program. If the viewer desires toobtain more information about a particular video-on-demand program, heor she may direct the program guide to display additional screens withdetailed information about that program.

An illustrative program guide system 20 in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 2. Program guide system 20 may include a mainfacility 22, a regional television distribution facility 26, and usertelevision equipment 30. Main facility 22 (which may be multiplefacilities 22) contains a program guide database 24 for storing programguide information 21 such as video-on-demand program guide listingsdata, ordering data, television program guide listings data,pay-per-view ordering information, television program promotionalinformation, etc. Such information may be arranged by a Sourceidentification code or address 25 and may also include a “tag” or otherdesignation 27 to further identify the program type (i.e.,video-on-demand, pay-per-view, etc.).

Information from program guide database 24 may be transmitted toregional television distribution facility 26 via communications link 28.In alternate embodiments, however, some or all of database 24 may becontained within regional facility 26 (not shown). Link 28 may be asatellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic link, amicrowave link, a combination of such links, or any other suitablecommunications path. If it is desired to transmit video signals overlink 28 in addition to data signals, a relatively high bandwidth linksuch as a satellite link is generally preferable to a relatively lowbandwidth link such as a telephone line.

Regional television distribution facility 26 is a facility fordistributing television signals to viewers, such as a cable systemheadend, a local broadcast distribution facility, or a satellitetelevision distribution facility.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, a video server 29 may be included indistribution facility 26, which may contain a database 31 (FIG. 3) ofvideo-on-demand programs for supplying those programs to viewers. Videoserver 29 (FIG. 3) may be comprised of any suitable digital, analog, ormixed digital and analog storage and retrieval system 33 that canprovide viewer television equipment 30 with a video signal of arequested program. Such systems may include (but are not limited to)video cassette recorder (VCR) systems, digital versatile disc systems(DVD), laser disc systems, optical disc systems, magnetic tape and discsystems, and magneto-optical systems (such as a read/write digital discsystems), etc.

Video server 29 may also contain a controller 39, such as a networkedcomputer system, which may be used in combination with theabove-described storage and retrieval systems for processingvideo-on-demand program requests. Some of the functions performed bycontroller unit 39 may include various interfacing and control taskssuch as communicating with other portions of program guide systems 20,receiving and transmitting billing information, checking programavailability, queuing and coordinating program broadcast times,selecting and broadcasting requested programming, and routing selectedprogramming to the requestor's location, etc.

Video servers 29 may be located at any suitable location in a givenprogram guide system. For example, in FIG. 4, program guide system 40 isshown with video servers 29 placed in local television distributionfacilities 41. Local distribution facilities 41 or “neighborhood nodes”may be used as intermediate distribution facilities coupled betweenregional television distribution facilities 26 and viewer televisionequipment 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, regional television distribution facility 26 maydistribute television programming and program guide information 21 toneighborhood nodes 41 which may in turn distribute this informationperiodically, continuously, or on request to viewer television equipment30 via communications paths 32. If desired, program guide information 21may be stored within local nodes 41 and may be distributed periodically,continuously, or on request to viewer television equipment 30 viacommunications paths 32 (not shown). In either type of arrangement,television programming and program guide information can be distributedover analog television channels and program guide data may bedistributed over an out-of-band channel on paths 32. Data distributionmay also involve using one or more digital channels on paths 32. Suchdigital channels may also be used for distributing televisionprogramming and other information.

By providing multiple neighborhood nodes 41, two important benefits arerealized: (1) reduces the demand on individual video-on-demand serversthat may have a limited processing capacity, and (2) reduces thebandwidth requirement for communication paths 32.

Periodically, it may be necessary to update program database 31 to addrecently released programs. Rather than manually update databases 31 attheir respective geographical locations, video servers 29 may beconfigured so that the contents of program databases 31 can be remotelyupdated. Communication links 28 and/or 32 may be used to download newprograms into databases 31. Such program transfers may occur duringperiods of low program demand in order to minimize the effect on systemviewers. For example, in FIGS. 2 and 4, main facility 22 may contain adatabase 23 of new programs for distribution among video serverdatabases 31. Program guide systems 20 and 40 may transmit theseprograms across communication links 28 to regional televisiondistribution systems 26 that in turn may route those programs to videoservers 29 (possibly via communications links 32). Controller 39 maythen direct storage and retrieval system 33 to update database 31 tocontain those programs.

Program guide information 21 transmitted by main facility 22 to regionaltelevision distribution facility 26 may include television programlistings data for current programs, future programs, and video-on-demandprograms. The program listings data for each program may include (but isnot limited to) the title of the program, the channel for the program, ascheduled broadcast time (start-time) and an ending time (or duration).Other typical program data may include ratings, critics ratings, brieftext descriptions, genres (sports, movies, children, etc.), actors, etc.Transmitted program information may also include advertising informationand pay program data such as pricing information for individual programsincluding VOD programs and subscription channels, time intervals forordering programs and channels, telephone numbers for placing ordersthat cannot be impulse ordered, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, regional television distribution facility 26 maydistribute television programming and program guide information toviewer television equipment 30 of multiple viewers via communicationspaths 32. For example, television programming may be distributed overanalog television channels and program guide data may be distributedover an out-of-band channel on paths 32. Data distribution may alsoinvolve using one or more digital channels on paths 32. Such digitalchannels may also be used for distributing television programming andother information.

Viewer television equipment 30 typically contains set-top boxes 34.Viewer television equipment 30 may also be any suitable equipment intowhich circuitry similar to set-top box circuitry has been integrated,such as an advanced television receiver (such as HDTV), a personalcomputer television (PC/TV), or any other suitable television equipment.Multiple television and audio channels (analog, digital, or both analogand digital) may be provided to set-top boxes 34 via communicationspaths 32. If desired, program listings and other information may bedistributed by one or more distribution facilities that are similar tobut separate from television distribution facility 26 usingcommunications paths that are separate from communications paths 32.

Certain functions such as ordering video-on-demand programs may requireset-top boxes 34 to transmit data to local distribution facilities 41(FIG. 4) and/or regional distribution facilities 26 over communicationpaths 32. Such data may be transmitted over telephone lines, cable, orother separate communication paths. If functions such as these areprovided using facilities separate from regional television distributionfacility 26, some of the communications involving set-top boxes 34 maybe made directly with the separate facilities.

Each set of viewer television equipment 30 may have the capability tosimultaneously receive, decode, and display two separate video signals.For example, viewer television equipment 30 may use a two-tuner set-topbox. The tuners may have analog, digital, or mixed analog and digitalcapabilities. If desired, any other suitable arrangement may be used tohandle the simultaneous display of two video signals.

Program guide data 21 may be distributed continuously, periodically, oron demand to viewer television equipment 30. Regional televisiondistribution facility 26 or neighborhood nodes 41 may also poll viewertelevision equipment 30 periodically for certain information (e.g., payprogram account information or information regarding programs that havebeen purchased and viewed using locally-generated authorizationtechniques). Main facility 22 preferably contains a processor to handleinformation distribution tasks. Each viewer television equipment 30preferably contains a processor to handle tasks associated withimplementing an interactive television program guide on the viewertelevision equipment 30. Regional television distribution facility 26and/or neighborhood nodes 41 may also contain a processor for tasksassociated with monitoring a viewer's interactions with the interactiveprogram guide implemented on set-top boxes 34 and for handling tasksassociated with the distribution of program guide data and otherinformation to viewer television equipment 30.

Each set-top box 34 in viewer television equipment 30 may be connectedto a videocassette recorder 36 and/or a home storage device 35.Videocassette recorder 36 allows selected television programs to berecorded. Each videocassette recorder 36 may be connected to atelevision 38. To record a program, set-top box 34 sends control signalsto videocassette recorder 36 (e.g., using an infrared transmitter) thatdirects videocassette recorder 36 to start and stop recording at theappropriate times. Program guide system 20 or 40 may store certaininformation such as video-on-demand programs and video-on-demand programdata in home storage device 35 via set-top box 34.

During use of the interactive television program guide implemented onset-top box 34, video-on-demand program listings and other informationmay be displayed on television 38. Such program guide displays may bepresented so as not to obscure a program to which the viewer has tunedwith set-top box 34, or if desired, may be presented as an overlay ontop of a portion of a television program. Each set-top box 34,videocassette recorder 36, and television 38 may be controlled by one ormore remote controls 50 or any other suitable viewer input interfacesuch as a wireless keyboard, mouse, trackball, dedicated set of buttons,etc.

An illustrative remote control 50 is shown in FIG. 5. During normaloperation, play key 58 or VOD browse key 51 may be used to toggle theprogram guide display on and off the main display screen. Channel up anddown keys (channel keys) 57 may be used to change the channel to whichset-top box 34 is tuned. Up and down cursor keys 54 a and 54 b may beused to vertically scroll through the available video-on-demand programson the program guide. Left and right cursor keys 54 c and 54 d may beused to change the video-on-demand program category. Select key 52 orBuy key 56 may be used to make selections such as when orderingvideo-on-demand programs by selecting one such program from theavailable program listings. Numeric keys 60 may be used to directlyselect a desired program during both normal television viewing or whilebrowsing video-on-demand programs.

While the program guide display is active, info key 53 may be used toinvoke a detailed information screen to obtain more information about aparticular video-on-demand program. The detailed information screen maycontain an on-screen button that may be used to request a particularvideo-on-demand program. Buy key 56 and/or OK key 55 may be used toactivate the on-screen button and thereby order the video-on-demandprogram displayed on the detailed information screen. Exit to TV key 59may be used to exit the program guide display and return to normaltelevision viewing mode. Various other keys (not shown) may be used forfunctions such as controlling power, videocassette recorder (VCR)functions, volume control, etc. The keys for remote control 50 of FIG. 5represent just one illustrative example of a suitable remote controlarrangement. Any other suitable remote control key arrangement may beused if desired.

Set-top box 34 can be directed to present program guide display 70 onmain display screen 72. Set-top box 34 may re-proportion (i.e., shrink)the amount of screen area used by current program 77 (channel 5) suchthat main display screen 72 presents both program guide display 70 andcurrent program 77 unobscured (not shown). However, if desired, programguide display 70 may also be superimposed on top of a portion of currentprogram 77 as shown in FIG. 6. This allows the viewer to simultaneouslyview video-on-demand program listings while viewing a television programon main display screen 72.

Video-on-demand program guide display 70 may be invoked using anysuitable technique such as by using a dedicated key on remote controlunit 50 such as play key 58, VOD browse key 51 (FIG. 5), or using an onscreen button (not shown). Alternatively, guide 70 may be invoked byfirst entering a “normal browse mode” (i.e., invoke a program guidedisplay showing regularly broadcast programs) and then select adesignated video-on-demand channel using the up and down cursor keys 54a and 54 b or numeric keys 60.

Program guide display 70 preferably contains information about aparticular video-on-demand program. If desired, such video-on-demandprograms may be organized according to certain categories 72 such as“recent releases,” “sitcoms,” “action/adventure,” “drama,” etc. In theexample of FIG. 6, the viewer is viewing programs in the drama categoryand information is displayed about a particular drama program that isavailable on demand. The displayed information may include (but is notlimited to) the program title 76 (The Truman Show), the length or“run-time” of that program 74 (110 minutes), a brief text description 73of that program, an icon 75 indicating that the program is indeedavailable on demand, an icon 79 indicating that a video clip isavailable for the listed video-on-demand program, the video-on-demandprogram number 77 (VOD 1), and the program's rating 78 (TV-Y). Moredetailed information about a particular video-on-demand program may beavailable by pressing info key 53 (FIG. 5). Such detailed informationmay include plot summary, actors and actresses, etc., and may appear onmain screen 72 as a separate detailed information screen (not shown).

Although program guide display 70 is shown in FIG. 6 is only a singlecell or element in width (i.e., in the vertical dimension), and a singlecell or element in length (i.e., in the horizontal dimension), it mayalso be displayed as multiple cells in either or both dimensions (notshown).

Each cell in program guide display 70 may include a program descriptionbox 73 that contains a brief text description of the program title(s)currently shown on guide 70. For example, in the arrangement shown inFIG. 6, the program title “The Truman Show” is shown, so programdescription box 73 contains a brief text description of The Truman Showprogram. The viewer may press info key 53 on remote 50 (FIG. 5) toobtain more detailed information about that program and/or to view otheravailable options (not shown). Select key 52 or on screen button may beused to select the other options.

A viewer may navigate through the programs listings in a givenvideo-on-demand category 72 by using any suitable key on remote 50 suchas up and down cursor keys 54 a and 54 b (FIG. 5). This may causeprogram guide display 70 to display information about the nextvideo-on-demand program in that category. For example, in FIG. 6,program guide display 70 is set to the video-on-demand category “drama”and displays information about the first video-on-demand program (VOD 1)in that category (The Truman Show). If the viewer presses up cursor key54 a once, video-on-demand program number 77 may increment and guide 70will display information about the next program in that category (i.e.,VOD 2). If a viewer presses up cursor key 54 a again, video-on-demandprogram number 77 may increment to the next program in that category(i.e., VOD 3) etc. Down cursor key 54 b may operate in a similar fashionto decrement video-on-demand program 77.

Video-on-demand category 72 may be changed by using any suitable key onremote 50 such as right and left cursor keys 54 c and 54 d (FIG. 5).This may cause program guide display 70 to display the firstvideo-on-demand program in the next video-on-demand category 72. Forexample, in FIG. 6, video-on-demand category 72 is set to “drama”, andthe first video-on-demand program (VOD 1) in that category is “TheTruman Show.” If the viewer presses right cursor key 54 c once, video-ondemand category 77 may change to another category such as “sitcoms,” andinformation about the first program (VOD 1) in that category isdisplayed (Seinfeld). This is shown in FIG. 7. If right cursor key 54 cis pressed again, category 72 may again increment to the next category(e.g., “recent releases”), etc. Left cursor key 54 d may operate in asimilar fashion with the provision that it scrolls categories 72 in anorder opposite to that of right cursor key 54 c. If desired, viewers mayalso directly tune program guide display 70 to a particularvideo-on-demand program in a given video-on-demand category 72 usingnumeric keys 60.

While program guide display 70 is active, the television program towhich set-top box 34 is currently tuned continues to be displayed on themain display screen 72. Although a viewer may scroll through severalvideo-on-demand programs on program guide display 70, the video on maindisplay screen 72 remains tuned to the program on channel 5. However,each time a viewer scrolls program guide display 70 to a newvideo-on-demand program listing, program description box 73 is updatedto display information for the currently shown program. As a result, theviewer can watch a selected television program while browsingautomatically updated text descriptions of video-on-demand programs.This feature may be particularly useful when, for example, one member ofthe household desires to browse video-on-demand programs while anotherhousehold member desires to continue watching a program in progress.

Certain video on demand programs may have video clip previews associatedwith them. As shown in FIG. 6 a, program guide display 70 may include avideo clip icon 79 to indicate that the listed program has an associatedvideo clip preview. If a viewer who is browsing the program listings onprogram guide display 70 becomes interested in a particularvideo-on-demand program, he or she may request a video clip of thatprogram. For example, in FIG. 6, assume the viewer becomes interested in“The Truman Show” program. By pressing any appropriate key on remote 50such as OK key 55 (FIG. 5), the viewer can direct the program guide torequest a video clip of that program from video server 29 (FIG. 3).After the video clip preview has been provided, the viewer may bepresented with a display screen inquiring whether the viewer wants toorder that program (not shown). The viewer may accept or decline thisoffer by pressing any appropriate key on remote 50 (FIG. 5) or by usingan on screen button (not shown).

If the viewer requests a video clip preview, the preview may bepresented in a video window 71 so that program in progress 77 andprogram guide display 70, and video window 71 may all be viewedsimultaneously (shown in FIG. 6 b). However, in certain embodimentsvideo window 71 may be a full screen display or may be viewer-selectable(i.e., can change from a full screen display to a partial screen displayand vice versa). Video window 71 may be implemented using any suitablemethod such as a partial screen overlay, or a picture-in-picture videowindow, etc.

If a viewer who is browsing the program listings on program guidedisplay 70 becomes interested in a particular video-on-demand program,he or she may request that program. For example, in FIG. 6, assume theviewer wants to request “The Truman Show” program. By pressing anyappropriate key on remote 50 such as select key 52 (FIG. 5), the viewercan direct the program guide to request that program from video server29 (FIG. 3). If the viewer happens to be browsing more information abouta particular program on a detailed information screen (not shown), thatscreen may contain an on-screen button for ordering that video-on-demandprogram. By pressing any appropriate key on remote 50 such as buy key 56(FIG. 5), the viewer may activate the on-screen button and therebydirect the program guide to request that program from video server 29(FIG. 3).

Once the viewer has requested a video-on-demand program, one or moreconfiguration and control screens may appear which require viewer inputto complete the order. As shown in FIG. 8, configuration and controlscreen 80 may contain the title 81 and price 89 of the requested programand a series of data fields for viewer input. Such data fields mayinclude a purchase confirmation field 82, a parental control code field84, a submit form field 85, a program start-time-field 86 and a startprogram now field 88. A viewer may navigate through configuration andcontrol screen 80 using cursor keys 54 and may enter the requiredinformation into the data fields using appropriate keys on remote 50(FIG. 5).

Certain data fields on configuration and control screen 80 may requireinput from numeric keys 60 on remote 50. For example, program start timefield 86 may require a numeric input to establish the desired start-timefor the requested video-on-demand program. Start-time field 86 may be apull-down menu that presents a list of start-times (not shown) which maybe selected using cursor keys 54 and a binary (yes/no) input key such asOK key 55 on remote 50. Parental control code field 84 may also requirea numeric input. Other data fields such as start program now field 88and purchase confirmation field 82 may also accept input from a binaryinput key such as OK key 55 on remote 50.

When configuration and control screen 80 has been properly filled outand submitted, the ordering process is complete. The program guidesystem may provide a reply screen to confirm the viewer's order (notshown).

If a selected video-on-demand program is not to start immediately, itmay be fully or partially downloaded into local memory (e.g., in homestorage device 35) to lessen the bandwidth required to transmit theprogram and/or may be transmitted during a non-peak time. A pricediscount may be offered for such “advance ordering” of a program (notshown).

Some of the steps involved in providing the browsing display featuresdescribed herein are illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 9. At step100, the program guide provides the viewer with an option for invokingeither the video-on-demand browsing mode or the normal browsing mode. Ifthe viewer chooses to invoke the video-on-demand browsing mode, programguide display 70 is displayed on viewer television equipment 30 at step101. If the viewer chooses to invoke the normal browsing mode, theprogram guide displays a program guide display (not shown) on viewertelevision equipment 30, possibly displaying a program listingreflecting the current channel.

Assuming video-on-demand browsing mode is chosen at step 100, programguide display 70 is displayed on viewer television equipment 30 at step101. When program guide display 70 is initially displayed, it may be setto a “default” category and program listing, or it may return topreviously selected category and/or program. At step 102, the viewer maybrowse through the available program categories using left and rightcursor keys 54 d and 54 c and/or browse the available programs in thatcategory: using up and down cursor keys 54 a and 54 b. If a program ofinterest is not found in that category, a new category may be selectedand the viewer may browse programs in that category. The viewer maycontinue to browse through the available categories and programs until aprogram of interest is found or may exit program guide display 70 bypressing the exit to TV key 59 on remote 50 (FIG. 5).

If a video-on-demand program of interest is found, the viewer hasseveral options. For example, the viewer may: 1) request a video clip ofthe program, if available (e.g., using an on-screen button or remotecontrol key), 2) request the program (e.g., using an on-screen button orremote control key) or 3) request more information about that program bypressing info key 53 (step 103). If a video clip is requested, the videoclip is presented on the viewer's display screen (step 102). If avideo-on-demand program is requested, a configuration and control screenmay appear which requires viewer input (step 104). The viewer mayfill-out and submit this form to order the requested program.

At this point, the viewer may be returned to program guide display 70 tobrowse more video-on-demand programs or, if desired, the viewer maypress the exit to TV key to exit the program guide (step 105).

If the selected program has been set to start immediately, the programguide will provide the program immediately. However, if the selectedprogram is ordered for a later time, the program guide may automaticallystart the program at that later time. Furthermore, the program guide maybe configured to present a reminder screen (not shown) sometime beforethe selected program is to be shown so that the viewer is reminded ofthe scheduled start-time. When this reminder is received, the viewer maybe given the option to: 1) watch the program at the scheduled time, 2)watch the program immediately, 3) reschedule the program to another time(e.g., by entering a new start-time or selecting a start-time from alist provided by the program guide), or 4) cancel the selected program.

Although not specifically shown in the flow chart of FIG. 9, the viewermay at any time exit back to the normal television viewing by pressingthe exit to TV key 59 on remote 50.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this inventionand various modifications can be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

1-98. (canceled)
 99. An interactive television video-on-demand programguide system implemented on viewer television equipment having a maindisplay screen comprising: means for displaying a program guide displayon the viewer television equipment that displays at least onevideo-on-demand program listing; means for allowing a viewer to advanceorder a video-on-demand program represented by said video-on-demandprogram listing; and means for allowing said viewer to input astart-time to display said video-on-demand program in response toreceiving a request from said viewer to advance order saidvideo-on-demand program, wherein the start-time is not a predeterminedbroadcast time.
 100. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 99 wherein the system further comprises means forallowing a viewer to select a start-time to watch said video-on-demandprogram.
 101. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 99 wherein the system further comprises means for allowing aviewer to select a start-time for said video-on-demand program byselecting said start-time from a list of start-times provided by saidprogram guide.
 102. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 99 wherein the system further comprises means forallowing a viewer to select a start-time for said video-on-demandprogram by entering said start-time with a set of numeric input keys ona remote control.
 103. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 99 wherein the system further comprises means forstoring at least a portion of said video-on-demand program in a homestorage device when said viewer advance orders the video-on-demandprogram.
 104. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 99 wherein the system further comprises means for storing all ofsaid video-on-demand program in a home storage device when said vieweradvance orders said video-on-demand program.
 105. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 99 wherein saidordering means provides a purchase price for said video-on-demandprogram, the purchase price being dependent on whether said vieweradvance orders said video-on-demand program.
 106. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 105 wherein saidpurchase price is discounted when said video on demand program isadvance ordered.
 107. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 99 wherein the system further comprises: meansselecting a start-time for a video-on-demand program ordered by aviewer; means for reminding said viewer of a selected start-time forsaid ordered video-on-demand program; and means for automaticallystarting said ordered video-on-demand program at said selectedstart-time.
 108. The interactive television program guide system definedin claim 99 wherein the system further comprises: means for selecting astart-time for a video-on-demand program ordered by a viewer; means forreminding said viewer of a selected start-time for said orderedvideo-on-demand program; and means for allowing the viewer to watch saidordered program immediately from said reminding means.
 109. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 99 whereinthe system further comprises: means selecting a start-time for avideo-on-demand program ordered by a viewer; means for reminding saidviewer of a selected start-time for said ordered video-on-demandprogram; and means for allowing said viewer to acknowledge saidstart-time indicated by said reminding means and subsequently watch saidordered program at said selected start-time.
 110. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 99 wherein the systemfurther comprises: means for selecting a start-time for avideo-on-demand program ordered by a viewer; means for reminding saidviewer of a selected start-time for said ordered video-on-demandprogram; and means for allowing said viewer to change said start-timeindicated by said reminding means to a new start-time, said orderedvideo-on-demand program automatically starting at said new start-time.111. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 99wherein the system further comprises: means for selecting a start-timefor a video-on-demand program ordered by a viewer; means for remindingsaid viewer of a selected start-time for said ordered video-on-demandprogram; and means for allowing said viewer to change said start-timeindicated by said reminding means to a new start-time by selecting saidnew start-time from a list of start-times provided by said programguide, said ordered video-on-demand program automatically starting atsaid new start-time.
 112. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 99 wherein the system further comprises: meansfor selecting a start-time for a video-on-demand program ordered by theviewer; means for reminding said viewer of a selected start-time forsaid ordered video-on-demand program; and means for allowing said viewerto change said start-time indicated by said reminding means to a newstart-time by entering a viewer-defined start-time, said orderedvideo-on-demand program automatically starting at said viewer-definedstart-time.
 113. The interactive television program guide system definedin claim 99 wherein the system further comprises: means for selecting astart-time for a video-on-demand program ordered by a viewer; means forreminding said viewer of a selected start-time for said orderedvideo-on-demand program; and means for allowing said viewer to cancelsaid ordered program indicated by said reminding means.
 114. A methodfor providing an interactive television video-on-demand program guidesystem implemented on viewer television equipment having a main displayscreen comprising: displaying a program guide display on the viewertelevision equipment that displays at least one video-on-demand programlisting; allowing a viewer to advance order a video-on-demand programrepresented by said video-on-demand program listing; and allowing saidviewer to input a start-time to display said video-on-demand program inresponse to receiving a request from said viewer to advance order saidvideo-on-demand program, wherein the start-time is not a predeterminedbroadcast time.
 115. The method defined in claim 114 wherein saidordering further comprises allowing the viewer to select a start-time towatch said video-on-demand program.
 116. The method defined in claim 114wherein said ordering further comprises allowing a viewer to select astart-time for said video-on-demand program by selecting said start-timefrom a list of start-times provided by said program guide.
 117. Themethod defined in claim 114 wherein said ordering further comprisesallowing a viewer to select a start-time for said video-on-demandprogram by entering said start-time with a set of numeric input keys ona remote control.
 118. The method defined in claim 114 wherein theprogram guide system further comprises a home storage device, saidmethod further comprising storing at least a portion of said orderedvideo-on-demand program in said home storage device when said vieweradvance orders said video-on-demand program.
 119. The method defined inclaim 114 wherein the program guide system further comprises a homestorage device, said method further comprising storing all of saidvideo-on-demand program in said local storage device when said vieweradvance orders said video-on-demand program.
 120. The method defined inclaim 114 wherein said ordering further comprises providing a purchaseprice for said video-on-demand program, said purchase price beingdependent on whether said viewer advance orders said video-on-demandprogram.
 121. The method defined in claim 114 wherein said orderingfurther comprises providing a purchase price for said video-on-demandprogram, said purchase price being reduced when said viewer advanceorders said video-on-demand program.
 122. The method defined in claim114 wherein said ordering further comprises: selecting a start-time fora video-on-demand program ordered by a viewer; reminding a viewer of astart-time for said ordered program; automatically starting said orderedvideo-on-demand program at said viewer selected start-time.
 123. Themethod defined in claim 114 wherein said ordering further comprises:selecting a start-time for a video-on-demand program ordered by aviewer; reminding the viewer of said start-time for said orderedprogram; and allowing said viewer to watch said ordered programimmediately from said reminding step.
 124. The method defined in claim114 wherein said ordering further comprises: selecting a start-time fora video-on-demand program ordered by a viewer; reminding said viewer ofsaid start-time for said ordered program; and allowing said viewer toacknowledge said start-time indicated by said reminding means andsubsequently watch said ordered program at the selected start-time. 125.The method defined in claim 114 wherein said ordering further comprises:selecting a start-time for a video-on-demand program ordered by theviewer; reminding said viewer of said start-time for said orderedprogram; and allowing said viewer to change said start-time indicated bysaid reminding means to a new start-time, said ordered video-on-demandprogram automatically starting at said new start-time.
 126. The methoddefined in claim 114 wherein said ordering further comprises: selectinga start-time for a video-on-demand program ordered by a viewer;reminding said viewer of said start-time for said ordered program; andallowing said viewer to change said start-time indicated by saidreminding means to a new start-time by selecting said new start-timefrom a list of start-times provided by said program guide, said orderedvideo-on-demand program automatically starting at said new start-time.127. The method defined in claim 114 wherein said ordering furthercomprises: selecting start-time for a video-on-demand program ordered bya viewer; reminding said viewer of said start-time for said orderedprogram; and means for allowing said viewer to change said start-timeindicated by said reminding means to a new start-time by entering aviewer-defined start-time, said ordered video-on-demand programautomatically starting at said viewer-defined start-time.
 128. Themethod defined in claim 114 wherein said ordering further comprises:selecting a start-time for a video-on-demand program ordered by aviewer; reminding said viewer of said start-time for said orderedprogram; and allowing said viewer to cancel said ordered programindicated by said reminding means.
 129. Machine-readable media for usein an interactive television video-on-demand program guide system inwhich an interactive television program guide is implemented on viewertelevision equipment of a viewer, said viewer television equipmentcomprising an audio output and a video output, wherein said media isencoded with machine-readable instructions for performing the methodcomprising: displaying a program guide display on the viewer televisionequipment that displays at least one video-on-demand program listing;allowing the viewer to advance order a video-on-demand programrepresented by said video-on-demand program listing; and allowing theviewer to input a start-time to display said video-on-demand program inresponse to receiving a request from the viewer to advance order saidvideo-on-demand program, wherein the start-time is not a predeterminedbroadcast time.
 130. The machine-readable media defined in claim 129wherein said ordering further comprises allowing said viewer to select astart-time to watch said video-on-demand program.
 131. Themachine-readable media defined in claim 129 wherein said orderingfurther comprises allowing said viewer to select a start-time for saidvideo-on-demand program by selecting said start-time from a list ofstart-times provided by said program guide.
 132. The machine-readablemedia defined in claim 129 wherein said ordering further comprisesallowing said viewer to select a start-time for said video-on-demandprogram by entering said start-time with a set of numeric input keys ona remote control.
 133. The machine-readable media defined in claim 129wherein said program guide system further comprises a home storagedevice, said method further comprising storing at least a portion ofsaid ordered video-on-demand program in said home storage device whenthe viewer advance orders said video-on-demand program.
 134. Themachine-readable media defined in claim 129 wherein said program guidesystem further comprises a home storage device, said method furthercomprising storing all of said video-on-demand program in said homestorage device when said viewer advance orders the video-on-demandprogram.
 135. The machine-readable media defined in claim 129 whereinsaid ordering further comprises providing a purchase price for saidvideo-on-demand program, said purchase price being dependent on whethersaid viewer advance orders said video-on-demand program.
 136. Themachine-readable media defined in claim 129 wherein said orderingfurther comprises providing a purchase price for said video-on-demandprogram, said purchase price being reduced when said viewer advanceorders said video-on-demand program.
 137. The machine-readable mediadefined in claim 129 wherein said ordering further comprises: selectinga start-time for said video-on-demand program ordered by said viewer;reminding said viewer of said start-time for said ordered program;automatically starting said ordered video-on-demand program at saidviewer selected start-time.
 138. The machine-readable media defined inclaim 129 wherein said ordering further comprises: selecting astart-time for said video-on-demand program ordered by the viewer;reminding said viewer of said start-time for said ordered program; andallowing said viewer to watch said ordered program immediately from saidreminding step.
 139. The machine-readable media defined in claim 129wherein said ordering further comprises: selecting a start-time for saidvideo-on-demand program ordered by said viewer; reminding said viewer ofsaid start-time for said ordered program; and allowing said viewer toacknowledge said start-time indicated by said reminding means andsubsequently watch said ordered program at the selected start-time. 140.The machine-readable media defined in claim 129 wherein said orderingfurther comprises: selecting a start-time for said video-on-demandprogram ordered by the viewer; reminding said viewer of said start-timefor said ordered program; and allowing said viewer to change saidstart-time indicated by said reminding means to a new start-time, saidordered video-on-demand program automatically starting at said newstart-time.
 141. The machine-readable media defined in claim 129 whereinsaid ordering further comprises: selecting a start-time for saidvideo-on-demand program ordered by said viewer; reminding said viewer ofsaid start-time for said ordered program; and allowing said viewer tochange said start-time indicated by said reminding means to a newstart-time by selecting said new start-time from a list of start-timesprovided by said program guide, said ordered video-on-demand programautomatically starting at said new start-time.
 142. The machine-readablemedia defined in claim 129 wherein said ordering further comprises:selecting a start-time for said video-on-demand program ordered by theviewer; reminding said viewer of said start-time for said orderedprogram; and allowing said viewer to change said start-time indicated bysaid reminding means to a new start-time by entering a viewer-definedstart-time, said ordered video-on-demand program automatically startingat said viewer-defined start-time.
 143. The machine-readable mediadefined in claim 129 wherein said ordering further comprises: selectinga start-time for said video-on-demand program ordered by said viewer;reminding said viewer of said start-time for said ordered program; andallowing said viewer to cancel said ordered program indicated by saidreminding means.